Last day of 2008

Kenny and his apple juice.

The new mattress is so fluffy. We had some in-between-ers show up this morning.

So many spuds, not enough time. A whole 50 pound bag of organic yellow potatoes for $12.00!!!

Dinner for Mike, I and Jonathan. Kenny had crackers and potato. Everyone else went to Nana's or another party.

Floo Call

Sometimes I have to yell through the heating vent to get some attention.

Put away for another year

I remember when I was a child that my mom left the Christmas tree up until February. She kidded that she would put heart ornaments up. I think she just wanted to prolong the season. I am ready to put the tree away this year. My forgotten carol is not being sad when I take the tree down- less kids to mess around with it.

Happy Birthday!

Handsome on his birthday last year.

Our tradition is to have doughnuts on the baby's first birthday. He picked the chocolate off.

Kenny Ammon turns 1 today! He's grown so much.

Happy 14th Anniversary

Beth picked Chili's for dinner.

Mike gave Beth googly eyes at the table.

After sleeping on a good bed for a few nights we stopped and bought a new mattress on the way home- it will be delivered tomorrow.

The Fort Collins Hilton. You can have free coffee in the room but water costs 4 dollars a bottle. WE chose neither and bought our water elsewhere.

The Oval. It was too cold to walk hand in hand down the center of the trees like we used to do. We drove around it instead- Just as romantic? Oh well.

Nana and Papa watched the kids and Mike and I went to Fort Collins for 3 days, where we went to college and fell in love. It was so cold- under 15 degrees- we mainly looked from the car at the sites. It was nice sleeping in and not having to change diapers.

The library

The self checker outer.

She is.

Megan has to read a biography over break. She said she wanted a paper-thin one because she had other books she received for Christmas to read.

Merry Christmas!

Megan loves her new clothes.

Patrick got a new video game "Bolt".

Kenneth got blocks, an activity table and other baby toys but only wanted to knock down Mary's dollhouse.
It took Jon about 4 hours to figure out Rubick's Magic Cube. Grandma and Grandpa came for 2 o'clock dinner and were treated to excited children.
Much like all families we had the traditional meal of... tacos and burritos! (On paper plates!)

Mary Jane poses for Nana's camera. Papa is assembling a Spiderman Scooter in the back ground. Papa was busy doing his elf duties this morning. Good thing he carries a pocket knife and screwdrivers in his pockets.

Adam waits in the sea of papers. He was sad later that he could not take his new pirate ship into the bath tub.

Kelly hugs her new doll Mia. (Love the Minnie Pearl look too!)

We had a happy day. Our tradition is for my parents to come over and fix us breakfast. We then eat and then open presents. We hung out together and played toys and games the rest of the day. I'm thankful for a large and happy family on holidays like today. And with Kenny turning one this week I reflect that Santa will be coming to our house (and keeping Mike and I young?) for a long time. HO HO HO!

Christmas Eve

Kelly wants a new bike.

Mary wants a doll.

Jonny wants a puzzle.

Nana and Papa want peace for all.

We went to Uncle Jim and Aunt Chrystal's house tonight for my family's Christmas Celebration. Adam kept telling anyone who would listen that it was the best party he's been to. Good food, presents and dessert- he knows a good party when he sees one.

Merry Christmas!

Today is the day

Before: 2002

After: 2008

Since Mike and I put up shelves and pergo in the family room we've talked about putting a flat screen in the space above the fireplace. That was October 2002 now it is December 2008 and here it is.

New idea

Adam empties the dishwasher for the first time alone! Good Job Sweetheart!

I left a note on the counter saying after you eat your breakfast you must complete a pick a job. You may not play video games or computers or with friends until this task is completed. I am so smart. I also like a clean and orderly house.

Can we all get along?

Kenny finds the rolling pin in the stove drawer.
I need to find something to roll out- quick!

Now that break is upon us and all through the house everyone is stirring on every one's nerves. Mike then wanted us to all to be quiet so he could work at home... not a chance.

The weather outside is frightful...

So Mike brought the toys into the family room. Luckily Mary's water table wasn't easily to get in the garage.

If I only had a brain!

Adam made this at kindergarten and now when we need a thinking cap we're ready.

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Saturday Cleaning

We cleaned the church and then our house- now we are tired.

It's hard to get a good picture

I found the missing bottles under the crib!

Patrick took about 15 pictures to get a good picture of Kenny. A moving target is difficult.

Mike's lunch today. Enjoy your salt, dear.